ALLENTOWN, Pa. - It's been a nationwide effort to get more girls involved in STEM programs, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math.

Now reports show there has been a sudden uptick across the country thanks to the Oscar nominated movie "Hidden Figures."

When a group of Parkland High School students saw the movie it inspired them to reach for the stars.

The movie is based off a book that tells the story of several NASA researchers who made space flight possible, including putting the first man on the moon.

Divisha Singh is a student and said, "I've never heard of these women until the movie came out, which I'm kind of glad now because it brings light and it gives credit to these unsung heroes."

The women at NASA did it during a time when parts of our country were segregated.

People of different races couldn't even use the same restrooms.

Julia Beman, who is a student said, "You hear it in history and you understand that it happened but when you actually see it play out before your eyes. I never thought I would see it and I hope I never see it in real life because it's horrible."

"The color of your skin doesn't determine how smart you are and it doesn't hinder you from doing anything," said student Malorie Pierre.

The young women said the movie is getting more girls involved in STEM it's also made them more aware of social issues.

Prachi Soni, who is a student, said, "How far have we come with technology and things like that but yet we are still stuck on that still that small thing of being an African American or an Indian or a Muslim."

"If you are just letting it happen right in front of your nose you're still a part of it," said Beman.

The girls said they want to be part of a world that includes everyone.

Their present looks a lot different because of the sacrifices of the past.

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